Mashya Restaurant :: Tel Aviv

I am constantly shocked by the new level of the culinary scene in Tel Aviv. Another example of this is the beautiful Mashya Restaurant located in the lobby of the Mendeli Street Hotel. They have collaborated with renowned Chef Yosi Shirit who runs a few other successful restaurants in Israel.

We went here for lunch and I was happy we did because the place has a light and airy feel to it in daylight. As soon as you walk in you can feel the modern, hip and stylish vibe of the decor and its patrons. There is a large central bar where many people sit that is bright and clean looking, with rough and rugged textures of locally sourced materials that help the bar blend with an indoor/outdoor look. I especially liked the living wall. Mineral, metal, earth, sand and stone are different elements used in the decor.

The emphasis here is on freshness, combined with high quality ingredients and sophisticated cooking techniques. The dishes are creative and showcase a modern cuisine focusing on Moroccan and Mediterranean influences. The menu is unique and innovative using spices, herbs and flavours as well as stunning presentations, that make it up to the minute and cutting edge.

The name is derived from the Hebrew word for “mace”, the red interior of a nutmeg.

From salads to appetizers, fish, meat and seafood, every dish is executed at a high level. I loved the homemade bread with the hummus and Harissa (a Tunisian hot chili pepper) brought to the table. I could have made this my entire meal. I liked that they offered a lot of light options like ceviches, salads and vegetables. The menu included raw Spanish mackerel, burnt watermelon, buttermilk and black quinoa, to kale, Jerusalem artichokes, and cumin. We also had an arugula salad with Medjool dates, pineapple and coconut. I was a happy camper. Mashya was a feast for the senses. Open daily from 7 am until 10 pm.

Recommended.

Happy dining,
Shanea